2.1 Beck
et al , in a study of MDMA users, report of a dose
of 225mg (2 to 3 typical tablets) causing delirium
and hallucinations. Other users reported nausea, and
an overwhelming queasiness or "wierd period".
Jaw tension is common. Enhanced communication and
reduced inhibitions are perceived as desirable qualities
of the drug, but this can go further than intended.
One student described a friend at a party telling
all in his private life:
"He
was very very revealing, and it was stuff that,
no way, he would have told us under normal circumstances"
2.2 Short
term after-effects included fatigue, malaise, headaches
persisting for up to two days. Long-term users described
"mental burnout", with increasing severity
of "hangovers" and other side effects was
cited as a reason for reducing or discontinuing use.
"Life
would get tough, thinking processes were tough,
and emotionally you were just on edge..."
"I
remember being extremely depressed the next day...I
couldn"t remember what the purpose of my
life was...I had a really rough time of it for
the next couple of days."
2.3 Shapiro
reports moderate doses to give a mild euphoric rush,
followed by feelings of serenity and calmness, and
the dissipation of anger and hostility. There is heightened
perception of surroundings without the distortions
of LSD, states that flashbacks can occur some time
after using the drug. High doses caused problems including
anxiety, panic, confusion, insomnia, psychosis and
visual and auditory hallucinations, leaving the user
in a weakened physical and mental condition.
2.4 In
an experimental study of psychiatrists who themselves
used MDMA for research or recreation, 85% reported
increased openness with others and 80% decreased defensiveness,
65% decreased fear and 60% decreased separation or
alienation from others. In the short-term following
recovery from intoxication 20% reported increased
openness and decreased defensiveness, and these figures
were respectively 35% and 30% over the longer term.
3. Other
phenethylamines
3.1 Eisner
described MBDB as a milder stimulant/euphoriant than
MDMA, but with increased "Entactogenic"
effects (openness and empathy). The activity was considered
surprising as the chemical structure would be expected
to be inert according to the theoretical basis of
psychoactivity.
3.2 Shulgin
describes the effects of MBDB, BDB and 2-CB at different
dosages:
MBDB
- Stated 210mg to be "very friendly"
and "de-stressing effect". "Too
much trouble to set out to do anything really",
280mg - "Very much like MDMA, more intense
intoxication, intense euphoria, feeling of grace,
animated discussions, feelings of great closeness
to others, less inclination to talk."
BDB
- Effects were described as similar to MDMA, but
less psychedelic, difficult to concentrate, no
visual or perceptual distortions. Higher doses
(230mg) well-tolerated, good humoured, easy talking,
onset about 30m mins, peak just under 2 hours,
slow dropping off of effects.
2-CB
- Moderate dosages (10-20mg) seem to provide similar
experiences to MDMA, higher doses (40-100mg) may
provoke panic and terror, one psychologist had
a near-death experience, but fully recovered realised
after two to three hours that he would not die
and then had an enjoyable experience. The combination
of MDMA and 2-CB was described "as if the
mental and emotional discoveries can be mobilised,
and something done about them". 2-CB was
stated to be one of the shortest acting phenethylamines,
and to have potential as an aphrodisiac!
4. Fitness
for interview?
4.1 The
increased openness described by users of ecstasy,
decreased hostility and empathy (fellow-feeling) with
surrounding persons may well cause a person to be
more cooperative during an interview, and more likely
to agree with propositions put to him by police officers.
4.2 Even
12 hours following intoxication, if numerous tablets
were taken there could be a residual intoxication
after 12 hours, sometimes referred to as the "honeymoon"
effect. If the dose was higher, or the user particularly
susceptible to the effects, then a greater degree
of intoxication would be expected, although still
substantially below the peak of intoxication which
would normally occur 2-4 hours following ingestion
of the tablets. In the short term following the end
of acute intoxication, Leister found many still reported
greater openness and decreased hostility in the days
following ecstasy use.
4.3 There
is therefore every possibility that interviewed persons
continue to be affected by drugs taken some hours
before, and may not be in a fit mental state to deal
with questions in the same manner as if in an unintoxicated
state. It is probable that there would be an increased
compliance and cooperation with the police. This could
imply either a greater willingness to reveal the truth,
or alternatively to agree to any false suggestions
put by a police officer during questioning.
References
